Boat Tours in Dresden

Discover one of Germany’s most fascinating cities on a boat tour in Dresden. Take a cruise along the River Elbe to glimpse the city’s Baroque architectural landmarks from the water.

See the historic Old Town and its beautiful palaces, and pass the famous Loschwitz Bridge, known as Blue Wonder. Learn about the city’s almost complete destruction in World War II and check out the picturesque Elbe Valley on a relaxing river cruise.

Below you will learn everything you need to know about boating and outdoor activities in the Saxon capital.

What are the most popular boat tours in Dresden?

There are lots of boat tours heading out of Dresden for you to choose. Some of the most popular ones include travel on a classic paddle steamer boat, which is sure to make the trip even more special.

Sightseeing cruise

Enjoy a short sightseeing tour along the River Elbe where you will see some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Blue Wonder Bridge and the three palaces of Albrechtsberg, Eckberg and Lingner.

Listen to the live commentary as you cruise along the River Elbe and enjoy snacks and drinks from the boat's bar. The spacious cruise boats have indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the breeze on deck or settle down in the lounge if the weather is not so good.

Sightseeing cruise to Pillnitz Palace

Discover the scenic sights of Dresden and the Elbe Valley on a three-hour jaunt to Pillnitz Palace. See the city in style as you journey along the river on a vintage paddle steamer.

Spot some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the famous bridges which span the River Elbe and the three grand Baroque palaces. Take time to explore Pillnitz Palace and its grounds, and visit the Castle Museum and the Arts and Crafts Museum.

Sightseeing cruise to Königstein Fortress

Take a leisurely river cruise from Dresden down to Königstein Fortress and pass through the scenic wine valleys of the River Elbe. Pass by the cities of Pirna, Stadt Wehlen and Rathen, and see picturesque landmarks, including Pillnitz Palace and the famous rock formations of the Bastei.

See the impressive hilltop fortress at Königstein which towers 250 meters above the surrounding valley. These boat tours in Dresden take in the highlights of the city skyline and the nearby countryside.

Wine tasting and snacks river cruise

Try a day-long sightseeing boat trip in Dresden and enjoy a river cruise with wine tour and tasting in Seublitz. Take a steady cruise along the River Elbe in an old-time paddle steamer and enjoy the Saxony landscape, dotted with historic palaces and castles.

Stop for a wine tour and tasting in Diesbar-Seußlitz, and discover the smallest wine district in all Germany. Enjoy snacks as you sample the different wine varieties and take a stroll through the vineyards before a visit to a winegrower.

These boat trips in Dresden include snacks, wine tasting and a wine tour, as well as boat transport from and to Dresden.

How much do boat tours in Dresden cost?

Most boat tours in Dresden cost from €20 to €30 per person. The shorter sightseeing trips are around €20 per person and the longer ones cost just a little more, around €26 per person.

The wine tasting tour is the most expensive, as it is much longer than the other tours and includes drinks, food and activities in the price. It costs around €90 per person.

Which places are seen and visited with a boat tour from Dresden?

Old Town

One of the most common sights that you will see on a Dresden boat tour include Dresden’s Old Town, which is home to the Albrechtsberg, Eckberg and Lingner palaces.

Loschwitz Bridge

The Loschwitz Bridge, known as Blue Wonder, is another popular landmark and joins the upmarket districts of Blasewitz and Loschwitz. It dates back to the late 1800s.

There are some impressive landmarks just outside the city too which can be seen on the longer tours.

Bastion Bridge

The famous rock formation, known as Bastei, is a dramatic sight and holds the ruins of Neurathen Castle. The landscape here has inspired many artists through the centuries with its dramatic rock towers and rugged views.

The Bastion Bridge is a stone bridge which passes through the rocks and offers fantastic views of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. It is one of the largest man-made structure in the area and can be seen from the river.

Pillnitz Palace

Dating back to the early 18th century, Pillnitz Palace sits on the banks of the River Elbe. It was home to the kings and rulers of Saxony and is made up of three main buildings designed in Baroque and Neoclassical style. It has numerous gardens and pavilions and is surrounded by a large public park.

Königstein Fortress

The Königstein Fortress is one of the region’s most popular historic attractions. It sits on a rock plateau above the town of Königstein and has buildings dating back over 400 years. The Fortress was used as a refuge for the area’s rulers and as a state prison until the 1920s.

The fortress once held what was probably the largest wine barrel in the world in its cellars. The specially constructed vat had a capacity of nearly 250 liters and was filled with local wine. The site also has one of the deepest wells in Europe which extends down over 150 meters into the rock.

How long does a boat trip last?

The sightseeing boat tours in Dresden last about 1.5 hours and the sightseeing cruises to Pillnitz Palace and Königstein Fortress last about three hours. The wine tours are the longest and last around 10 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

The boat tours all leave from the same spot on Terrassenufer in the center of Dresden. The Service Station Terrassenufer is easy to find and is just a couple of hundred meters away from Brühlschen Garten between the Carola and Augustus bridges.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Dresden?

The summer months are the best time to take a boat tour in Dresden. This is when the weather is at its finest and the countryside is in full bloom.

You can opt for a romantic sunset cruise when choosing your Dresden boat tours to see the city at its finest.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Dresden?

Want to get out and about and discover the city under your own steam? There are plenty of other ways to explore Dresden when you’ve tried the city’s boat tours.

• Canoeing on the Elbe River is a great way to see the Elbe Valley and run from the nearby town of Bad Schandau to the town of Děčín in the Czech Republic. These tours allow you to cycle the riverside tracks and return by canoe.
• A hiking tour of Bohemia and Saxon Switzerland will allow you to discover the awe-inspiring natural landscape just outside of Dresden. Tours include pickup and drop off, transport and lunch as well as your full-day hiking.
• A cycling tour of Dresden city center is ideal for those who want to see it all, from the Old Town to the Baroque Quarter and more. Glimpse the best of historic and modern Dresden and learn all about the city while on two wheels.

Travel tips

• Remember to book your Dresden boat trips in advance, so you can be sure of availability during your stay in the city.
• Bring your camera as you are sure to want to capture the scenic landscapes of the region.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a sweater or jacket, as it can be chilly on the river.